A rooftop classroom, science labs and dozens of workstations for teachers to do every day preparing are aspect of a $15 million expansion of Stagg Higher College in Palos Hills, according to Higher College District 230.

Perform is scheduled to get underway later this year and wrap up in spring 2025, with building adding 11 classrooms, 4 science labs, 52 teacher function stations and offices along with a rooftop environmental finding out space, according to the district.

The project, which will involve developing two-story additions on the north and south sides of Stagg, 8015 W. 111th St., was authorized at a particular college board meeting March eight.

A rendering shows aspect of an addition to Stagg Higher College in Palos Hills, building of which will commence later this year. (Higher College District 230)

District officials stated the project will be funded by a mixture of promoting bonds, employing accessible operating money and tapping grant income.

“The capacity to fund this project with out overburdening the taxpayers and remaining fiscally accountable is vital,” Tony Serratore, college board president, stated in a news release. “This expansion will supply added benefits not only for students and employees but the Stagg neighborhood at massive.”

Enrollment has enhanced slightly at the college “and they had been definitely becoming pressed for space,” Jennifer Waterman, a district spokeswoman, stated Tuesday.

A space study at all 3 district higher schools, which includes Andrew in Tinley Park and Sandburg in Orland Park, showed Stagg is slightly smaller sized, Waterman stated.

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“The Stagg expansion project is a lot more than just about adding space to a higher college it is also about adding space strategically and creatively, viewing the project by way of the lens of a 22nd century learner. It is about becoming imaginative and resourceful with our space,” Superintendent Robert Nolting stated in the news release.

Plans get in touch with for function on the shells of the new courtyards to get underway after the college year wraps up, so that the bulk of the heavier building, such as moving of dirt and placing up steel skeletons, is taking spot whilst college not in session, Waterman stated.

A rooftop environmental finding out space, on the top rated of the south courtyard, will “essentially be an outside classroom,” with attributes such as a garden, solar panels and honey bee hives, she stated. It will be open to all Stagg teachers, and physical education classes may well hold outside yoga sessions in the garden, Waterman stated.

“I feel there are a lot of possibilities there,” she stated.

Perform on the south courtyard will commence after college wraps up, and conclude subsequent spring, according to the district. Perform will incorporate classrooms on the 1st floor, with a science lab on the second floor, teacher function spaces and the rooftop environmental space.

The second phase will get underway in summer season 2024, on the new north courtyard, and be completed by spring 2025, according to the district.

mnolan@tribpub.com